TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

Which factor does NOT determine the rating required for a fire door in an exit stairway?

1. Building height

2. Occupant load

3. Type of occupancy

4. Construction type

The correct answer is: Occupant load

The rating required for a fire door in an exit stairway is influenced primarily by factors such as building height, type of occupancy, and construction type. Building height is essential because taller buildings generally require more stringent fire protection measures to ensure safe egress during an emergency. Fire doors serve to compartmentalize areas and protect against fire spread, and their ratings are adjusted based on how high a building is. Type of occupancy also plays a crucial role in determining fire door ratings. Different types of occupancy may have varying levels of risk associated with fire hazards, which directly influences the required fire protection features, including the ratings of doors. Construction type is another significant factor because the materials and methods used in constructing a building can affect its overall fire resistance capabilities. Depending on whether the construction is of combustible or non-combustible materials, the fire door ratings required may differ to provide adequate protection. In contrast, occupant load, while an important consideration for overall fire safety and egress planning, does not directly dictate the fire door ratings needed in exit stairways. The load affects other elements of fire safety design, such as the number and width of exits, but it is not a determining factor for the specific rating of a fire door within an exit stairway.